Legal Battle Over NDC Deepens as Peter Obi Challenges Court Ruling

Judgment Reopens Dispute Over Party Registration

A fresh legal battle has emerged over the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) after the Federal High Court in Lokoja nullified its earlier order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the political party.

The court ruled that its December 2025 judgment could not stand because it was delivered without hearing all parties with legitimate interests in the matter, particularly the Peace Movement Party (PMP), whose application to join the proceedings was upheld.

Justice Isah Dashen ordered that the substantive suit begin anew, restoring the legal position that existed before the earlier judgment.

Procedural Fairness Central to Decision

According to the court, the failure to include every necessary party amounted to a breach of constitutional principles governing fair hearing.

The judge also held that relevant facts were not fully disclosed when the earlier judgment was obtained, making it appropriate to set aside the decision and allow the matter to be determined afresh.

The ruling effectively suspends the legal certainty surrounding the NDC’s registration pending the outcome of the renewed proceedings.

Obi Describes Verdict as Temporary Obstacle

Peter Obi responded swiftly to the judgment through a statement issued by his media office, insisting that the ruling would not derail plans for the 2027 elections.

While acknowledging the legal setback, Obi said his lawyers had already begun reviewing the decision to pursue immediate appellate action.

He urged supporters across the country to remain calm and avoid discouragement, describing the ruling as one stage in a broader political struggle.

2027 Political Calculations Continue

Obi maintained that meaningful political reform would inevitably encounter institutional resistance but insisted that the coalition backing the NDC remained focused on its objectives.

According to the statement, the movement remains determined to establish what it describes as a legitimate and formidable political alternative capable of competing in the 2027 general election.

Although the court ruling temporarily complicates the NDC’s legal status, the dispute is expected to move into another phase of litigation that could have significant implications for party registration, electoral preparations and the broader political contest ahead of Nigeria’s next presidential election.